EMERSON SPONSORS ANNUAL FAMILIY PICNIC ON SATURDAY

A GOP family barbecue picnic will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday inside the Arena Building.

The annual event is a Cape Girardeau County Republican tradition but will be slightly different this year. For the first time, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson will be host of the event.

In the past Emerson has sponsored a separate summer picnic that her husband, the late Congressman Bill Emerson, began as a thank you to his supporters and constituents.

Last year the Cape Girardeau County Republican Committee held a family picnic that attracted 450 people.

Atalie Ebersole, Emerson's campaign manager, said Emerson wants to continue her husband's tradition of large family picnics.

"It is a good opportunity for Republicans to get together and have a good time in a family atmosphere," said Ebersole.

She said the event is not a fund-raiser for the congresswoman but is a county GOP fund-raiser.

David Barklage, vice chairman for the Cape Girardeau County Republican Party, said a committee was formed to put on the event. He said proceeds from the event will help the party.

"We want to help build the party coffers to help Republican candidates in Southeast Missouri," he said. "We want to assist in their elections or re-elections."

Barklage said Southeast Missouri is a stronghold for the party.

"Much of the state is going more and more toward the Republican Party; this event emphasizes cooperation in the party," he said.

Tickets for the event will be available at the door.